Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to after a taxi driver was racially abused and assaulted while working in Warrington.

The incident occurred at approximately 00.45 on Sunday 16 December while the taxi driver was in the Ordnance Avenue area of Warrington.

During the attack the victim was verbally abused and kicked in the groin.

Police Constable James Cotterill said: “We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and will not tolerate hate crime within our community.

“Enquiries in relation to this incident have been ongoing for a number of months and as part of the investigation I am now looking to speak to the man featured in the CCTV image as I believe that he may hold vital information in relation to the investigation.

“I urge the man, or anyone who recognises him, to contact the team here at Warrington on 101.”

Anyone with any information in relation to the incidents, or anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 270246 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/ .

Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of hate crime is encouraged to contact Cheshire Police on 101. Hate crime can also be reported online via True Vision at www.report-it.org.uk.